JP5544551B2 - Milk meter - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a milk meter that is connected to a midway of a milking line that feeds milk milked by a milking machine and measures milk yield.

  Conventionally, there are known milk meters that measure the amount of milk connected to the middle of the breastfeeding line. This type of milk meter is a non-storage type that directly measures flowing milk, and a measuring container section for flowing milk. Are classified into storage types that are temporarily stored and measured.

  The non-reservoir type has an advantage that it can be configured in a small and simple manner, but has a difficulty in measurement accuracy. Therefore, a storage type is required to ensure high measurement accuracy. The storage type is usually connected in the middle of the breastfeeding line, and the milk container flowing in from the inflow port can be temporarily stored, and the milk container stored in the measuring container section is low. Can open and close the liquid level detection unit that has a low position electrode part that detects the liquid level of the position and the high position electrode part that detects the high level liquid level of the stored milk, and the outlet provided in the lower part of the measuring container part And a control system that controls the valve mechanism so as to close the outflow port by detecting the low position electrode unit and open the outflow port by detecting the high position electrode unit. As a type of milk meter, a milk meter (milk meter) disclosed in Patent Document 1 is known.

U.S. Pat. 4,391,222

  However, the conventional milk meter (milk meter) disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above has the following problems.

  First, the milk meter is mounted horizontally on a fixed item such as a fixed device or column in a milking facility, such as the layout structure of the detection electrodes inside the measuring container section is not symmetrical. It is designed to be used. Therefore, when the milk meter is tilted, the detection electrode detects the tilted liquid level and a measurement error occurs. In particular, in an actual use environment (installation environment), since it is not a little inclined, measurement errors in the use stage are inevitable.

  Second, since the tilted milk meter has a large measurement error, it is inferior in versatility and convenience, such as a limited use environment (installation environment). For example, since a milking machine is used in an actual milking facility, if it can be attached to a teat cup automatic detaching device in which milked milk in this milking machine is taken in, it is more desirable because the piping of milk tubes and the like is reduced. Although it becomes an attachment mode, the teat cup automatic detachment device suspended from the stay via a hook often shakes greatly during milking, and in consideration of measurement errors, it becomes practically difficult to attach.

  The object of the present invention is to provide a milk meter that solves such problems in the background art.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is connected to the middle of the milk feeding line Lm, and the measuring container part 2 capable of temporarily storing the milk M flowing in from the inlet 2i, and the inside of the measuring container part 2 The liquid level detection unit 3 for detecting the liquid level Mu of the milk M stored in the valve, the valve mechanism unit 4 capable of opening and closing the outlet 2e of the measuring container unit 2, and the liquid level detection unit 3 detected the liquid level Mu. If the milk meter 1 (1s) having the control system 5 for controlling the opening and closing of the valve mechanism 4 is configured, the cylindrical peripheral surface portion 2f is provided, and the constricted portion 2s is provided at at least one of the longitudinal intermediate portions. By forming the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs on the upper side of the lowermost constricted portion 2s and the measuring chamber Rm on the lower side, the inlet 2i is formed near the upper end of the peripheral surface portion 2f of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs. And is suspended downward over a predetermined length on the upper surface 2u of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs. The formed cover portion 21 is provided, the upper surface portion Rmu of the measuring chamber Rm is formed on an inclined surface with the peripheral surface portion 2f side down, and the lower surface portion Rmd of the measuring chamber Rm is formed on an inclined surface with the peripheral surface portion 2f side up. And the second valve 4d capable of opening and closing the outlet 2e provided at the lower part of the measuring chamber Rm, and the first valve 4u capable of opening and closing the intermediate port 2m between the measuring chamber Rm and the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs. And a control system 5 for controlling the valve mechanism unit 4 by detecting the liquid level Mu.

  In this case, according to a preferred aspect of the invention, the valve mechanism section 4 is inserted into the outlet 2e and the intermediate port 2m, and the upper end port 11u faces the upper end of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs so that the inside of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs. A pipe shaft 11 that draws out air A, a valve drive unit 12 that supports the upper end of the pipe shaft 11 and moves the pipe shaft 11 up and down, and an upper surface 11f of the pipe shaft 11 that is located in the measuring chamber Rm are provided. The first valve 4u and the second valve 4d provided below the outer peripheral surface 11f can be provided. The valve drive unit 12 is controlled by a control system 5 that supports the upper end of the pipe shaft 11 via a support member 13 and closes the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs to form an upper surface portion Rsu. Thus, it can be configured to include a switching chamber portion Rc that is switched to a vacuum pressure or an atmospheric pressure and that faces the diaphragm portion 14 on the opposite side to the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs. On the other hand, the measuring container part 2 can be provided with an inlet 2i so that the milk M flowing into the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs flows spirally along the inner wall surface of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs. In addition, the diameter of the outlet 2e is selected so that the milk M in the measuring chamber Rm is discharged within a predetermined time Te, and the milk receiving chamber 15 having the same diameter as the outlet 2e is provided below the outlet 2e. Can be provided. Further, the measuring container part 2 rises upward from the upper surface part Rmu where the first valve 4u does not contact in the measuring chamber Rm, and the upper end port 16u faces the upper end of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs so that A supply cylinder portion 16 that allows the liquid separation chamber Rs to communicate can be provided. At this time, the liquid level detection unit 3 (3s) can be provided inside the supply cylinder unit 16 and / or attached to the peripheral surface 2f of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs. The liquid level detection unit 3 (3s) can use a pair of spaced apart detection electrodes 3p and 3q (3ps, 3qs) that detect the presence of the milk M by the resistance of the milk M.

  According to the milk meter 1 (1 s) according to the present invention having such a configuration, the following remarkable effects can be obtained.

  (1) The weighing container portion 2 in which the upper surface portion Rmu is formed on an inclined surface with the peripheral surface portion 2f side down, and the lower surface portion Rmd of the measuring chamber Rm is formed on the inclined surface with the peripheral surface portion 2f side up, and the measuring chamber Rm A valve mechanism 4 having a first valve 4u capable of opening and closing an intermediate port 2m between the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs and a second valve 4d capable of opening and closing an outlet 2e provided at a lower portion of the measuring chamber Rm, and a liquid level detection Since the unit 3 (3s) includes the control system 5 that controls the valve mechanism unit 4 by detecting the liquid level Mu, the inside of the measuring chamber Rm has a shape surrounded by a tapered surface. Therefore, even in the actual usage environment (installation environment), even if the milk meter 1 (1 s) is inclined, measurement errors caused by the inclination can be eliminated, and highly accurate milk yield measurement can be performed. it can.

  (2) Since there is no measurement error due to the inclination of the milk meter 1 (1 s) in the actual usage environment (installation environment), for example, a teat that is often shaken during milking by being hung on a stay via a hook. The range (use) of the use environment (installation environment) can be drastically expanded by being able to be attached to a cup automatic detachment device or the like, and versatility and convenience can be enhanced. In addition, the piping of milk tubes and the like can be reduced, and can be used as a portable (movable) type.

  (3) Since the inflow port 2i is provided in the vicinity of the upper end of the peripheral surface portion 2f of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, and the cover portion 21 that is formed to hang downward for a predetermined length is provided on the upper surface portion 2u of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs. The upper end of the pipe shaft 11 disposed inside the cover 21 and the upper end 16u of the supply cylinder 16 can be covered, thereby preventing the milk M from entering the upper ends 11u and 16u. Can do.

  (4) According to a preferred embodiment, the valve mechanism unit 4 is inserted into the outlet 2e and the intermediate port 2m, and the upper end port 11u faces the upper end of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, whereby the air in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs. A pipe shaft 11 from which A is pulled out, a valve driving unit 12 that supports the upper end of the pipe shaft 11 and moves the pipe shaft 11 up and down, and is provided above the outer peripheral surface 11f of the pipe shaft 11 located in the measuring chamber Rm. If the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d provided on the lower side of the outer peripheral surface 11f are provided, the pipe shaft 11 can be used as both a valve driving shaft and an air vent pipe. 4u and the second valve 4d can also be used as valve drive shafts, contributing to simplification of the configuration, cost reduction, and size reduction.

  (5) According to a preferred embodiment, the valve drive unit 12 supports the upper end of the pipe shaft 11 via the support member 13 and closes the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs so that the upper surface Rsu of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs is A diaphragm portion 14 to be formed, and a switching chamber portion Rc that is switched to a vacuum pressure or an atmospheric pressure under the control of the control system 5 and faces the diaphragm portion 14 on the opposite side to the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs. Then, since the valve drive part 12 can be comprised using the vacuum pressure (vacuum line) used for a milking machine, it can contribute to the cost reduction and size reduction by simplification of a structure.

  (6) According to a preferred embodiment, the inlet 2i is provided to the measuring container portion 2 so that the milk M flowing into the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs flows spirally along the inner wall surface of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs. For example, when the milk M flows down the inner wall surface of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, the flow velocity is reduced, and the generation of bubbles Mb and the ripple of the liquid level Mu, which cause an error in measuring the milk amount, can be greatly reduced. It can also contribute to the miniaturization of the milk meter 1 (1 s).

  (7) According to a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the outlet 2e is selected so that the milk M in the measuring chamber Rm is discharged within the predetermined time Te, and the same diameter as that of the outlet 2e is downward from the outlet 2e. If the milk receiving chamber 15 is provided, the milk M in the measuring chamber Rm can be discharged quickly, so that the measuring time can be shortened and efficient weighing can be performed, and also the capacity of the measuring chamber Rm can be reduced. Can contribute.

  (8) According to a preferred embodiment, the weighing container portion 2 is erected upward from the upper surface portion Rmu where the first valve 4u in the weighing chamber Rm is not in contact, and the upper end port 16u faces the upper end of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs. By providing the supply cylinder unit 16 that allows the measurement chamber Rm and the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs to communicate with each other, the milk M in the measurement chamber Rm can be discharged smoothly and quickly from the outlet 2e.

  (9) If the liquid level detection unit 3 is provided facing the inside of the supply cylinder unit 16 according to a preferred embodiment, detection can be performed while avoiding the effects of unwanted waves and bubbles. Moreover, if the liquid level detection part 3 attached to the peripheral surface part 2f of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs is added, milk M without the foam Mb can be more reliably stored in the measurement chamber Rm, and the measurement performance can be further improved. it can.

  (10) By using a pair of spaced apart detection electrodes 3p and 3q that detect the presence of milk M by the resistance of milk M, the liquid level detection unit 3 can be manufactured at a low cost with a comparatively simple structure. It can be carried out and the presence of milk M can be reliably detected.

Side sectional view of a milk meter according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, Plan sectional view including the inlet of the milk meter, Appearance side view showing the milk meter attached to the back of the teat cup automatic detachment device, Overall configuration diagram of the control system in the milk meter, Usage explanation of the milk meter, Flowchart for explaining the operation of the milk meter, Schematic diagram for explaining the operation of the milk meter, Side sectional view of a milk meter according to a modified embodiment of the present invention,

  Next, preferred embodiments according to the present invention will be given and described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  First, the configuration of the milk meter 1 according to the present embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 shows a milk meter main body 1 m in the milk meter 1. Reference numeral 2 denotes a weighing container portion, which is formed entirely from a material such as transparent or translucent plastic or glass into a cylindrical shape, and a constricted portion 2s is formed at a predetermined position in the longitudinal intermediate portion of the peripheral surface portion 2f. Accordingly, the upper side of the constricted portion 2s becomes the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, the lower side becomes the measuring chamber Rm (for example, about 150 [milliliter]), and the inner peripheral surface of the constricted portion 2s is connected to the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs. The intermediate port 2m communicates between the measuring chambers Rm. One or more additional constricted portions 2s may be formed on the peripheral surface portion 2f in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs as necessary. Thereby, since the real area of the internal peripheral surface in 2 f of peripheral surface parts can be expanded, the flow rate of milk M can be lowered | hung and generation | occurrence | production of foam Mb can be reduced more.

  Further, the weighing chamber Rm forms the upper surface portion Rmu on the inclined surface with the peripheral surface portion 2f side down, and the lower surface portion Rmd on the inclined surface with the peripheral surface portion 2f side up. As a result, the inside of the measuring chamber Rm is shaped so that the upper and lower sides are surrounded by a tapered surface. Therefore, when the milk M is stored in the measuring chamber Rm, the measuring container portion 2 (milk meter main body 1m) is in an inclined state. Even when the milk M is discharged from the measuring chamber Rm, the milk M remains even if the measuring container portion 2 (milk meter main body 1m) is inclined. Nothing will happen. Therefore, the inclination angle of the inclined surface can be arbitrarily selected according to the actual use environment. Normally, the tilt angle in the usage environment of the milk meter 1 (milk meter main body 1m) is about 15 [°] at most. Therefore, if the angle of the inclined surface with respect to the horizontal plane is selected to be about 30 [°]. This is sufficient for practical use. In addition, if the measuring container part 2 is configured to have a structure in which a plurality of divided bodies are combined, even if the constricted part 2s is provided, the manufacturing of the measuring container part 2 can be facilitated and maintenance (cleaning, replacement, etc.) can be achieved. ) Can be performed easily and reliably.

  On the other hand, an inflow port 2i is provided near the upper end of the peripheral surface portion 2f in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs. As shown in FIG. 2, the inflow port 2i is projected in the tangential direction from the outer surface of the peripheral surface portion 2f. As a result, the milk M that has flowed into the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs from the inlet 2i flows spirally along the inner wall surface of the peripheral surface portion 2f in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, so that the milk M is in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs. When flowing down the inner wall surface, the flow velocity is reduced, and the generation of bubbles Mb and the ripples of the liquid level Mu, which cause errors in measuring the milk amount, can be greatly reduced. As a result, the milk meter 1 can be made compact and compact. Can also contribute. Reference numeral 21 denotes a cover part formed by hanging down from the upper surface part 2u of the measuring container part 2 (gas-liquid separation chamber Rs) over a predetermined length, and as shown in FIG. Further, by covering the periphery of the upper end port 16u of the supply cylinder portion 16, the milk M is prevented from entering the upper end ports 11u and 16u.

  On the other hand, an outlet 2e is provided in the lower part of the measuring chamber Rm, that is, in the center of the lower surface part Rmd. In this case, the diameter of the outlet 2e is selected in consideration of the flow rate per unit time of the milk M flowing in from the inlet 2i so that the milk M in the measuring chamber Rm is discharged within the predetermined time Te. A milk receiving chamber 15 having the same diameter as the outlet 2 e is provided below the outlet 2 e, and a milk M discharge port 22 to which a milk tube can be connected is provided at the lower end of the milk receiving chamber 15. . By providing such a milk receiving chamber 15, the milk M in the measuring chamber Rm can be quickly discharged. Therefore, the measuring time can be shortened and efficient measuring can be performed, and the capacity of the measuring chamber Rm can be reduced.

  Further, a valve mechanism unit 4 is disposed inside the measuring container unit 2. In this case, the valve mechanism 4 is inserted into the outlet 2e and the intermediate port 2m, and the pipe shaft that draws out the air A in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs by making the upper end port 11u face the upper end of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs. 11, a valve driving unit 12 that supports the upper end of the pipe shaft 11 and moves the pipe shaft 11 up and down, a first valve 4 u provided on the outer peripheral surface 11 f of the pipe shaft 11 located in the measuring chamber Rm, and And a second valve 4d provided below the outer peripheral surface 11f. Both the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d are formed of an elastic material such as rubber. Reference numeral 23 denotes a fixing member for fixing the first valve 4 u and the second valve 4 d to the outer peripheral surface 11 f of the pipe shaft 11. Accordingly, the first valve 4u can open and close the intermediate port 2m between the measuring chamber Rm and the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, and the second valve 4d can open and close the outlet 2e provided at the lower portion of the measuring chamber Rm. If the valve mechanism portion 4 having such a configuration is provided, the pipe shaft 11 can be used as both a valve driving shaft and an air vent pipe, and further, for valve driving for both the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d. Since it can also be used as a shaft, there is an advantage that the structure can be simplified, the cost can be reduced, and the size can be reduced.

  In this case, the valve drive unit 12 supports the upper end of the pipe shaft 11 via the support member 13 and closes the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, that is, a circular opening provided in the upper surface 2 u of the measuring container unit 2. A diaphragm portion 14 that closes 2 uh to form an upper surface portion Rsu of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, and a switching chamber portion Rc that faces the diaphragm portion 14 on the opposite side to the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs are provided. The switching chamber Rc is switched to a vacuum pressure or an atmospheric pressure under the control of a control system 5 (FIG. 4) described later. Reference numeral 24 denotes a connection port protruding from the switching chamber Rc. The diaphragm portion 14 includes a first diaphragm 14u and a second diaphragm 14d that are separated from each other in the vertical direction to achieve stable up-and-down displacement, and the support member 13 does not block the upper end port 11u of the pipe shaft 11. By forming in the form, it is coupled to the central lower surface of the second diaphragm 14d. If the valve drive unit 12 having such a configuration is provided, the vacuum pressure (vacuum line) used in the milking machine 64 (FIG. 5) can be used, which can contribute to cost reduction and downsizing by simplifying the configuration. There are advantages.

  Further, the weighing container portion 2 rises upward from the upper surface portion Rmu where the first valve 4u in the weighing chamber Rm does not come into contact, and the upper end port 16u faces the upper end of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs. A supply cylinder unit 16 that communicates the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs is provided. By providing such a supply cylinder section 16, the milk M in the measuring chamber Rm can be discharged smoothly and quickly from the outlet 2e. Further, the measuring container unit 2 is provided with a liquid level detection unit 3 that faces the inside of the supply cylinder unit 16. In this case, the liquid level detection unit 3 uses a pair of detection electrodes 3p and 3q that are spaced apart from each other and detect the presence of the milk M by the resistance of the milk M. The detection electrodes 3p and 3q select the position where the liquid level Mu of the milk M, particularly the liquid level Mu excluding the bubbles Mb of the milk M, is above the measuring chamber Rm when the milk M is stored in the measuring chamber Rm. Desirably, as shown in FIG. 1, it selects so that the position stored from the lower surface part of gas-liquid separation chamber Rs to predetermined height can be detected. In this way, if the liquid level detection unit 3 (detection electrodes 3p, 3q) faces the inside of the supply cylinder unit 16, it is possible to perform detection while avoiding the influence of unnecessary waves and bubbles. In addition, if a pair of detection electrodes 3p and 3q is used for the liquid level detection unit 3, it is possible to implement at a low cost with a comparatively simple structure, and there is an advantage that the presence of the milk M can be reliably detected.

  On the other hand, FIG. 4 shows the control system 5 connected to the milk meter main body 1m. The control system 5 controls the valve mechanism 4 when the detection electrodes 3p and 3q, which are the liquid level detection unit 3, detect the liquid level Mu, that is, closes the first valve 4u and opens the second valve 4d. The first valve 4u is opened and the second valve 4d is closed according to a predetermined return condition. The control system 5 includes a system controller 31 having a computing function for performing various control processes and arithmetic processes. Accordingly, the system memory built in the system controller 31 stores a control program 31p for executing a series of sequence control related to milk yield measurement, and various setting data 31d including a setting time Ts and a judgment value Sx described later. Is set.

  The detection processing unit 32 is connected to the input port of the system controller 31, and the electromagnetic three-way valve 33 is connected to the control output port of the system controller 31. Further, the detection electrodes 3p and 3q are connected to the input unit of the detection processing unit 32 via a predetermined connection cable 34. The detection processing unit 32 has a function of detecting the liquid level Mu of the stored milk M by applying a predetermined voltage between the detection electrodes 3p and 3q and detecting a resistance value change. Therefore, the liquid level detection signal Sd is output from the detection processing unit 32 and is given to the system controller 31. In this case, the system controller 31 includes a detection cancel function Fc that cancels the detection of the bubbles Mb by determining the magnitude of the liquid level detection signal Sd. The system controller 31 includes a first resistance value when the milk M liquid portion exists between the detection electrodes 3p and 3q and a second resistance value when the milk M bubble Mb portion exists between the detection electrodes 3p and 3q. A determination value Sx for determining the value is set, and the detection cancel function Fc determines that the foam Mb is milk M and invalidates the detection when the resistance value is larger than the determination value Sx. By providing such a detection cancellation function Fc, an error factor due to the bubbles Mb can be eliminated, and more accurate and stable milk measurement can be performed.

  The connection port 24 protruding from the switching chamber portion Rc is connected to a common port 33o of the electromagnetic three-way valve 33 through a vacuum tube 35. Further, one branch port 33a of the electromagnetic three-way valve 33 is connected to a vacuum tube (vacuum pump). ) 41 and the other branch port 33b of the electromagnetic three-way valve 33 is opened to the atmosphere. Thereby, by performing switching control of the electromagnetic three-way valve 33, the switching chamber Rc described above can be switched to a vacuum state or an atmospheric state.

  On the other hand, after the first valve 4u is closed and the second valve 4d is opened, a predetermined set time Ts elapses as a predetermined return condition for opening the first valve 4u and closing the second valve 4d. Or detecting the end of the discharge of milk M from the outlet 2e can be used. In the present embodiment, the elapse of a preset set time Ts is set as a return condition. In this case, the set time Ts is set to be longer than the predetermined time Te described above. As described above, when a predetermined set time Ts elapses as a predetermined return condition, if the first valve 4u is opened and the second valve 4d is closed, the number of parts is reduced and the control is easy. Can be implemented at low cost. On the other hand, as a predetermined return condition, it is also possible to perform control for opening the first valve 4u and closing the second valve 4d by detecting the end of the discharge of the milk M from the outlet 2e. In this case, for example, a detection unit similar to the liquid level detection unit 3 including the detection electrodes 3p and 3q described above may be attached to the discharge port 22. As described above, as the predetermined return condition, by detecting the end of the discharge of the milk M from the outlet 2e, it is possible to quickly return by using the control to open the first valve 4u and close the second valve 4d. The weighing time can be shortened and efficient weighing can be performed, and the capacity of the weighing chamber Rm can be reduced.

  Next, the usage method and operation | movement (function) of the milk amount meter 1 which concern on this embodiment are demonstrated with reference to FIGS.

  The milk meter main body 1m in the milk meter 1 can be attached to the back surface of the teat cup automatic detachment device 51 as shown in FIG. In this case, the teat cup automatic detachment device 51 incorporates the controller 31, the detection processing unit 32, and the electromagnetic three-way valve 33 in the control system 5 described above. The teat cup automatic detachment device 51 includes a device main body 52 having an outer casing, a hook 53 protruding upward from the upper surface of the device main body 52, and a wire guide pipe 54 protruding from the lower surface of the device main body 52. A release wire 55 (FIG. 5) is fed out from the lower end of the wire guide pipe 54. The tip of the detachment wire 55 is connected to a milk claw 61 having four teat cups 61c. Therefore, a winding mechanism for winding the release wire 55 is provided inside the apparatus main body 52.

  On the other hand, FIG. 5 shows an example of a milking system W using the milk meter 1. The milking system W includes a transporter 63 that moves along the rail 62, and a milking machine 64 is mounted on the transporter 63. Further, the teat cup automatic detaching device 51 is suspended by hooking a hook 53 on an arm stay 65 of the transporter 63. FIG. 5 shows a state where the milking machine 64 is milking the cow C, and the cow C is equipped with four teat cups 61c. In the milking system W, at the time of milking, the raw milk (milk M) milked by the teat cups 61c is supplied from the milk claw 61 through the milk tube 66 to the inlet 2i of the milk meter main body 1m. Then, the milk M that has passed through the milk meter main body 1 m is sent from the discharge port 22 to the milk pipe 68 through the milk tube 67. Accordingly, the milk tubes 66 and 67 serve as a milk feeding line Lm for connecting the milk meter 1. In addition, 70 is a vacuum pipe, 41 is a vacuum tube for connecting the teat cup automatic detaching device 51 to the vacuum pipe 70 side (FIG. 4), 72 is a vacuum tube for connecting the teat cup automatic detaching device 51 and the teat cup unit 61, respectively. Show. As described above, the detection electrodes 3p and 3q are connected to the teat cup automatic detachment device 51 (detection processing unit 32) via the connection cable 34 (FIG. 4), and the switching chamber Rc (connection port 24). Is connected to the teat cup automatic detachment device 51 (the branch port 33a of the electromagnetic three-way valve 33) via the vacuum tube 35 (FIG. 4).

  Next, operation | movement of the milk meter 1 at the time of milking is demonstrated according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, referring FIG.

  At the time of milking (at the time of measurement), the milk M milked to the milk tube 67 in the milk feeding line Lm is intermittently sent, so that the milk M flows into the measuring container 2 from the inlet 2i (step S1). ). In the initial stage of inflow, the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d are in the lowered position, the intermediate port 2m is open, and the outflow port 2e is closed. Then, the milk M that flows in flows spirally along the inner wall surface of the peripheral surface portion 2f in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, as indicated by solid arrows in FIG. As a result, good gas-liquid separation (centrifugation) is performed, and when the milk M flows down the inner wall surface of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, the flow velocity becomes small, and the generation of bubbles Mb that causes an error in measuring milk yield. And the ripple of the liquid surface Mu is greatly reduced. At this time, as shown by a dotted arrow, the separated air A passes through the inside of the pipe shaft 11 and exits below the outlet 2e, and the milk M from which the air A has been separated is metered through the intermediate port 2m. It is stored in the chamber Rm (step S2). FIG. 7A shows this state.

  As the inflow of the milk M proceeds, the liquid level Mu of the stored milk M rises. And if it raises to the position of detection electrodes 3p and 3q and milk M is filled between detection electrodes 3p and 3q, between detection electrodes 3p and 3q will be in an ON state. By the way, not a few bubbles Mb are usually present on the liquid surface Mu. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 7B, the liquid level Mu is located between the detection electrodes 3p and 3q, and the detection electrode 3q is immersed in the milk M, but the detection electrode 3p is above the liquid level Mu. There is also a state where it is located and immersed in the bubble Mb. In this case, since the liquid level detection signal Sd indicating the resistance value between the detection electrodes 3p and 3q is larger than the judgment value Sx set in the system controller 31, it is considered that the ON state is between the detection electrodes 3p and 3q. Otherwise, the detection becomes invalid and the detection is cancelled.

  On the other hand, if the liquid level Mu further rises and the liquid level Mu rises to a position where the detection electrode 3p is immersed in the milk M as shown in FIG. 7C, both the detection electrodes 3p and 3q become milky. Since the liquid level detection signal Sd (resistance value between the detection electrodes 3p and 3q) is smaller than the judgment value Sx, the system controller 31 assumes that the detection electrodes 3p and 3q are officially turned on. A valve switching signal Sc is applied to the electromagnetic three-way valve 33. Thereby, the electromagnetic three-way valve 33 is switched, and a vacuum pressure (negative pressure) is applied to the switching chamber portion Rc (steps S3 and S4). As a result, the diaphragm portion 14 is displaced upward, and as shown in FIG. 7C, the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d are also displaced to the raised position. Since the intermediate port 2m is closed and the outlet 2e is opened, all the milk M in the measuring chamber Rm is discharged to the milk receiving chamber 15 through the outlet 2e (step S5). At this time, the diameter of the outlet 2e is selected so that the milk M in the measuring chamber Rm is discharged within a predetermined time Te, and the milk receiving chamber 15 having the same diameter as the outlet 2e downward from the outlet 2e. Is provided, the milk M in the measuring chamber Rm is quickly discharged. At the time of discharge, as indicated by a dotted arrow in FIG. 7C, the air A in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs is supplied into the measurement chamber Rm through the supply cylinder portion 16.

  On the other hand, if a preset set time Ts elapses after the valve switching signal Sc is output, the system controller 31 gives the valve return signal Sr to the electromagnetic three-way valve 33. As a result, the electromagnetic three-way valve 33 is switched and the vacuum pressure applied to the switching chamber Rc is released, so that the switching chamber Rc returns to atmospheric pressure (steps S6 and S7). As a result, the diaphragm portion 14 is displaced downward, and the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d are also returned to the lowered position as shown in FIG. 7 (d). Since the intermediate port 2m is opened and the outlet 2e is closed, the milk M in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs flows into the measuring chamber Rm through the intermediate port 2m (step S8). Thereafter, the above operation (processing) is repeated until milking is completed (steps S9, S1,...). Note that the system controller 31 obtains the total milk amount, further the flow rate (speed), and the like by calculation processing by counting the number of times of measurement in the measuring chamber Rm.

  Next, the configuration and operation (function) of the milk meter 1s according to the modified embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The milk meter 1s shown in FIG. 8 is obtained by adding a second liquid level detector 3s to the peripheral surface 2f of the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs. The configuration of the liquid level detection unit 3s is the same as that of the liquid level detection unit 3 described above, and is configured by a pair of detection electrodes 3ps and 3qs spaced apart from each other for detecting the presence of the milk M by the resistance of the milk M. Therefore, the only difference is the mounting position (mounting place) above the liquid level detection unit 3 and spaced apart by a predetermined height.

  In the case of the milk meter 1s according to the modified embodiment, an operation different from that of the milk meter 1 shown in FIG. 1 can be performed. First, at the initial inflow of milk M into the milk meter 1s, the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d are displaced to the lowered position in the case of the milk meter 1 described above, but in the case of the milk meter 1s. The first valve 4u and the second valve 4d are displaced to the raised position. Thus, before the milk M flows into the measuring chamber Rm, only the milk M without the foam M is stored in the measuring chamber by storing up to the position (Mus) of the second liquid level detector 3s in the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs. It was made possible to supply to Rm. That is, in this case, if the second liquid level detection unit 3s detects the milk M, the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d are displaced to the lowered position. As a result, the milk M flows into the measuring chamber Rm, and at the time of inflow, it can be detected that the measuring chamber Rm is filled with the milk M by the liquid level detecting unit 3 disposed on the lower side. When the milk M is detected, the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d are displaced to the raised position, and the milk M in the measuring chamber Rm is discharged from the outlet 2e. Thereafter, this state is maintained until the liquid level detection unit 3s disposed on the upper side detects the milk M. If the liquid level detection unit 3s detects the milk M, the first valve 4u and the second valve 4d are moved to the lowered position. Repeat the operation to move to. At this time, if the interval between the liquid level detectors 3 and 3s is set appropriately, the above-described control over the set time Ts becomes unnecessary.

  If the milk meter 1s according to such a modified embodiment is used, the measuring performance can be further improved, for example, the milk M without the foam Mb can be reliably stored in the measuring chamber Rm. In the modified embodiment of FIG. 8, the same control as in the case of using only the liquid level detection unit 3 (detection electrodes 3p, 3q) described above is performed using only the liquid level detection unit 3s (detection electrodes 3ps, 3qs). May be. Therefore, in this case, the liquid level detection unit 3 (detection electrodes 3p and 3q) in FIG. 8 is not necessary. In addition, in the milk meter 1s of FIG. 8, if necessary, either the liquid level detection unit 3 or 3s is selected and used according to the amount of foam Mb, etc., and the liquid level detection unit 3 (detection electrodes 3p, 3q) described above is used. ) May be used to perform the same control. Furthermore, if necessary, it is possible to provide means for adjusting the position (height) of the liquid level detection units 3 and 3s. In addition, in FIG. 8, the same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals to clarify the configuration, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Therefore, according to the milk meter 1, 1s according to the preferred embodiment and the modified embodiment, the upper surface portion Rmu is formed on the inclined surface with the peripheral surface portion 2f side down, and the lower surface portion Rmd of the measuring chamber Rm is formed. The flow rate provided in the lower part of the measuring chamber Rm, the first container 4u capable of opening and closing the measuring port 2m between the measuring chamber Rm and the gas-liquid separation chamber Rs, and the measuring container portion 2 formed on the inclined surface with the peripheral surface portion 2f side up. Since the valve mechanism unit 4 having the second valve 4d capable of opening and closing the outlet 2e and the control system 5 for controlling the valve mechanism unit 4 by detecting the liquid level Mu by the liquid level detection units 3 and 3s are provided. Even in a usage environment (installation environment) where the milk meter 1, 1s is inclined, measurement errors caused by the inclination can be eliminated. As a result, the milk yield can be measured with high accuracy, and in the illustrated embodiment (FIG. 1), the measurement accuracy can be generally within about ± 5 [%]. In addition, since a measurement error due to the inclination of the milk meter 1, 1s does not occur in the actual usage environment (installation environment), the teat cup automatic is often shaken greatly during milking by being suspended from the stay 65 via the hook 53. The range (use) of the use environment (installation environment) can be dramatically increased, such as being attachable to the detachment device 51, and versatility and convenience can be enhanced. Further, the piping of the milk tubes 67, etc. can be reduced, and it can also be used as a portable type (movable type).

  The preferred embodiment (modified embodiment) has been described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to such an embodiment, and the present invention is not limited to the detailed configuration, shape, material, quantity, technique, and the like. Any change, addition, or deletion can be made without departing from the scope of the above.

  For example, the inclined surface with the peripheral surface portion 2f side of the upper surface portion Rmu of the measuring chamber Rm facing down and the inclined surface with the peripheral surface portion 2f side of the lower surface portion Rmd of the measuring chamber Rm facing upward are shown as being tapered. It may be. Therefore, you may form so that a front cross section may become a flat ellipse, and the form of an inclined surface is not limited to illustration. Further, the valve mechanism unit 4 has shown the case where the pipe shaft 11 is used as both a valve driving shaft and an air vent pipe. However, the valve driving shaft is formed of a bar material, and the air vent pipe is separately connected to another air vent pipe. You may provide in a position. Furthermore, although the valve drive part 12 illustrated the case where it comprised by the diaphragm part 14 and the switching chamber part Rc switched to a vacuum pressure or atmospheric pressure, the diaphragm part 14 was directly displaced by actuators, such as an electromagnetic solenoid or an air cylinder. Also good. On the other hand, the case where a pair of detection electrodes 3p, 3q, 3ps, and 3qs is used as the liquid level detection units 3 and 3s is illustrated. However, if the position of the liquid level Mu can be detected, a mechanical type using a float or the like. Liquid level detectors based on various other principles such as an optical type using an optical sensor, an electrostatic type for detecting an electrostatic change, and an electromagnetic type for detecting an electromagnetic change can be used. Further, the control system 5 may be attached to the milk meter main body 1m or the like by separately configuring with a control box or the like.

  The milk meter 1, 1s according to the present invention is installed not only in the exemplified milking system W, but also in various types of installation target parts related to various types of milking systems, uses other than milking, and measurement of milk amounts of various animals. Can be used.

  1: Milk meter, 1 s: Milk meter, 2: Measuring container part, 2i: Inlet, 2e: Outlet, 2m: Middle outlet, 2f: Circumferential surface part, 2s: Constricted part, 3: Liquid level detecting part, 3s: liquid level detection unit, 3p: detection electrode, 3q: detection electrode, 3ps: detection electrode, 3qs: detection electrode, 4: valve mechanism, 4u: first valve, 4d: second valve, 5: control system, 11: Pipe shaft, 11u: Upper end of pipe shaft, 11f: Outer peripheral surface of pipe shaft, 12: Valve drive section, 13: Support member, 14: Diaphragm section, 15: Breast receiving chamber, 16: Cylinder section, 16u : Upper end of supply cylinder section, Lm: Feeding line, M: Milk, Mu: Liquid level, Mb: Foam, Rs: Gas-liquid separation chamber, Rm: Measuring chamber, Rmu: Upper portion of measuring chamber, Rmd: Weighing Lower surface of chamber, Rc: switching chamber, Rsu: upper surface of gas-liquid separation chamber, A: air, Sd: liquid level inspection Signal, Fc: detection cancel function

Claims (8)

  A measuring container part connected to the middle of the feeding line and capable of temporarily storing milk flowing in from the inlet, a liquid level detecting part for detecting the liquid level of milk stored inside the measuring container part, In a milk meter comprising a valve mechanism part capable of opening and closing the outlet of the measuring container part and a control system for controlling the opening and closing of the valve mechanism part when the liquid level detection part detects the liquid level, And having a surface portion and forming a constricted portion in at least one of the longitudinal intermediate portions, the upper side of the lowermost constricted portion is a gas-liquid separation chamber and the lower side is a measuring chamber, and further, The inlet is provided in the vicinity of the upper end of the peripheral surface portion of the gas-liquid separation chamber, and a cover portion is formed on the upper surface portion of the gas-liquid separation chamber so as to hang downward for a predetermined length. Formed on an inclined surface with the surface side down, and the bottom surface of the weighing chamber A measuring container formed on an inclined surface with the peripheral surface side up, a first valve capable of opening and closing an intermediate port between the measuring chamber and the gas-liquid separation chamber, and an outlet provided at the lower portion of the measuring chamber A milk meter comprising: a valve mechanism section having a second valve that is possible; and a control system that controls the valve mechanism section when the liquid level detection section detects the liquid level.   The valve mechanism is inserted into the outlet and the intermediate port, and a pipe shaft that draws out air in the gas-liquid separation chamber by having an upper end face the upper end of the gas-liquid separation chamber, and an upper end of the pipe shaft And a valve driving unit for moving the pipe shaft up and down, the first valve provided on the upper outer peripheral surface of the pipe shaft located in the measuring chamber, and the second valve provided on the lower outer peripheral surface. The milk meter according to claim 1, further comprising:   The valve drive unit supports an upper end of the pipe shaft via a support member, closes the gas-liquid separation chamber and forms an upper surface portion of the gas-liquid separation chamber, and controls the control system 3. The milk meter according to claim 2, further comprising a switching chamber portion that is switched to a vacuum pressure or an atmospheric pressure by the pressure chamber and that faces the diaphragm portion on the opposite side to the gas-liquid separation chamber.   The milk amount according to claim 1, wherein the measuring container portion is provided with the inflow port so that milk flowing into the gas-liquid separation chamber flows spirally along an inner wall surface of the gas-liquid separation chamber. Total.   The diameter of the outlet is selected so that the milk in the measuring chamber is discharged within a predetermined time, and a milk receiving chamber having the same diameter as the outlet is formed below the outlet. The milk meter according to claim 1.   The measuring container part rises upward from the upper surface part where the first valve in the measuring chamber does not contact, and the upper end port faces the upper end of the gas-liquid separating chamber, thereby allowing the measuring chamber and the gas-liquid separating chamber to 6. A milk meter according to claim 1, further comprising a supply cylinder portion for communicating with each other.   The milk level meter according to claim 1, wherein the liquid level detection unit faces the inside of the supply cylinder unit and / or is attached to a peripheral surface portion of the gas-liquid separation chamber.   The milk level meter according to claim 1, wherein the liquid level detection unit uses a pair of spaced apart detection electrodes that detect the presence of milk by resistance of milk.

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